Irene D. Oellrich

Irene D. (Ricklefs) Oellrich of Marion passed away peacefully February 4, 2025 at Linn Manor Care Home after a two-decade journey with cancer. Irene was born in Anamosa on the family farm August 3, 1933, to J.H. and Wilhelmina (Moenk) Ricklefs. Irene was one of ten children. She attended Anamosa Schools and was known for good grades as well as her sense of humor. During high school, Irene resided with the former Iowa Chief Justice Warren J. Rees family for a time as their nanny, while also working at the Iowan Hotel diner waiting tables. She was a member of the Girls' Athletic Association (GAA) in high school. According to Irene's yearbook, "The GAA functioned for the purpose of developing friendship, co-operation, loyalty to one another, leadership and sportsmanship among the high school girls." After a specified number of hours in athletics at the school, Irene won her letter as a junior. Irene graduated on May 18, 1952 and married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Oellrich, on November 1, 1952. They lived in Whittier before moving to their farm in Toddville. Irene and Jerry were married for 44 years and raised seven children before divorcing in 1996. Irene was a dedicated 4-H leader, drove the kids to band, choir, church and sports practices, attended countless games and performances, kept the farm's financial books, followed commodity prices, and helped Jerry with the chores on the farm. Over the years, she also worked for Collins Radio Co., Stanley Home Products, a local Chevy dealer, St. Luke's Hospital, and Maytag Home Laundry Service before retiring. She regularly attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Center Point and Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha where she counted offerings for many years. Irene loved to travel, listen to music, play slot machines, bowl, talk politics, and garden. She baked the best pies, enjoyed watching the Cubs and the Hawkeyes, and listening to Rush Limbaugh. On her world travels, she collected rocks and dirt from various locations. Irene is preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, son-in-law Gary, and daughter-in-law Deb. She is survived by her brothers Lawrence and James Ricklefs and sister Viola (Ricklefs) Houston. Jerry Oellrich died in 2013. Irene is survived by her seven children: Sue (Tom) Kimball of Indianola, Sally (Don) Reed of Aloha, OR, Sandy (Larry) Germaine of Toddville, Sherry Christensen of Greeley, CO, Sylvia Oellrich of McKinney, TX, Tricia (Denny) Spear of Toddville, and Steve (Holly) Oellrich of Toddville, 11 grandchildren, Crystal, Shawn, Phillip, Preston, Ryan, Johnny, Nikki, Derrick, Tia, Noah and Chelsea, and 11 great-grandchildren. Irene's cremated remains will rest on the Oellrich farm. Her soul will rest with Jesus. No services are planned. Donations in Irene's name may be made to the Cedar Rapids Community Concert Association or to the Cedar Rapids Area Theatre Organ Society.